The Power of Showing Up

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When the world feels heavy, it’s easy to believe we don’t matter.
That we’re just one person in a sea of noise.
That nothing we do will change anything.

But I don’t believe that. Not for a second.

This week, a reader named Katelyn wrote to tell me that the newsletter gave her a renewed sense of hope. That it reminded her she’s not powerless.

And that’s exactly what this space is for.

Not just to share what’s happening around town.
But to remind each other that what we do, how we show up, care, create, and connect, truly does matter.

This issue is full of ways to give back. Some big. Some small.
All of them local. All of them possible.

Let’s keep building the kind of community where hope doesn’t just exist.
It grows.

I’m glad you’re here.

This issue is full of ways to give back. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this might be it.

P.S. Don’t miss this week’s Volunteer Spotlight. It might just spark your next “yes.”

P.P.S. Feel free to check out Heart of Hanover’s first sponsor by clicking the link above! 💜💜

Let’s not dance around it. Life isn’t fair.

You know it. I know it. We all feel it when someone cuts the line, breaks the rule, or gets away with something they shouldn’t. Our whole body reacts. That’s not just frustration talking. That’s biology.

Science shows our brains are wired for fairness. When we see it, we get a little hit of dopamine. When we don’t, the alarm bells go off. Cortisol. Adrenaline. Boom. We’re on edge, ready to fight, flee, or fire off a long paragraph in all caps.

It’s not just about us, either. We feel it when someone else is wronged. That gut-level sense of “this isn’t right” is hardwired. Because deep down, we all want a world that makes sense. A world where the rules are the same for everyone.

But that’s not always the world we get. And that’s where the work begins.

If we let the outrage take over, we lose our clarity. If we spiral, we lose our strength. If we let bitterness take root, we end up feeding the very energy we want to change.

So what do we do instead?

People who handle unfairness well don’t have superpowers. They’ve just learned how to respond on purpose.

They pause.
They breathe.
They reflect.
They question the story they’re telling themselves.
They focus on what they can control.
They turn anger into care, and care into action.

Not performative action. Not empty gestures. Just the simple, everyday kind that builds something better.

And when everything feels too big to fix, they go small. They go local.

Because here’s the truth: we may not have power everywhere, but we have power somewhere. And that somewhere is often right here.

We can’t change the whole system. But we can change how we show up. For our neighbors. For our block. For our town.

We help someone who’s overwhelmed.
We volunteer an hour of our time.
We start something good, or support someone who already has.

That’s how we meet unfairness without losing ourselves. That’s how we reclaim a sense of power, even when the world feels upside down.

Not by waiting for fairness to arrive.
But by practicing it.
One small act at a time.

Looking for a way to put this into practice? Scroll down. I’ve got a list of local ways to start.

Sunday, August 31, 2025
📍 151 Moul Avenue, Hanover

There is nothing more Hanover than the Chili Cookoff.

This beloved Labor Day tradition brings together thousands of people for live music, cold drinks, spicy competition, and an unforgettable day of community fun. All in support of local nonprofits.

But it doesn’t run on magic. It runs on volunteers.

That’s where you come in.

The Exchange Club is looking for hardworking, fun-loving folks to help make the 2025 Cook Off the best one yet. From early morning setup to beer ticket sales, parking guides to kids’ activities, there’s a spot for everyone. Training is provided.

Shifts available:

Volunteers receive:

Swag bags, drink tickets, water and soda, early parking access, and an invite-only after party. All-day volunteers also get a t-shirt and a 30-minute lunch break.

Bonus: Some positions require RAMP (Responsible Alcohol Management Program) training, which is free and valid for two years.

Want to help?

Email [email protected] with your name, phone number, shift preference, and t-shirt size (if working all day). Positions are first-come, first-served, and fill up fast.

Deadline to sign up: August 20.

📎 Apply to volunteer online

Weekdays, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Hanover Area Council of Churches, 136 Carlisle St, Hanover

At Meals on Wheels, it’s not just the meal that matters.

It’s the knock on the door. The friendly smile. The reminder that someone out there still cares.

They’re currently seeking drivers and runners to deliver meals to homebound seniors. One hour of your time can make someone’s whole day.

Interested in helping?

Stop by the Hanover Area Council of Churches or call 717-633-6353.

Ongoing Opportunities
📍 136 Carlisle St, Hanover

Volunteers are the heart of HACC.

Whether you’ve got a servant’s heart or just a spare hour a week, there’s a place for your gifts. From food and shelter to outreach and support, the Council offers a wide range of ways to serve.

Want to get involved?
Call 717-633-6353 or apply online.

Before we get into the family fun, here’s something important happening this week:

Thursday, July 17 | 5 PM
📍 Hanover Square

This month marks five years since the passing of Congressman John Lewis. His legacy lives on every time we show up for justice, dignity, and the rights of our neighbors.

Join Hanover for Progress as we gather in solidarity and continue the work.

Donations will be accepted for YWCA Hanover Safe Home, providing critical support to survivors of domestic violence.

Bring your voice. Bring a friend.

Let’s keep the spirit of good trouble alive in Hanover.

Monday, July 21 to Saturday, July 26 | 5 PM – 11:30 PM
📍 Pleasant Hill VFC, 2941 Baltimore Pike, Hanover

It’s not summer without a carnival.

Six nights of rides, games, live music, and comfort food at this classic summer carnival hosted by Pleasant Hill Volunteer Fire Company.

🎶 Live music every night, including Borderline, Canaan’s Land, Chris Woodward, Park Avenue Band, Tanner Mountain Band, and Dean Crawford & the Dunn’s River Band.

🍽 Nightly dinner specials like roast turkey, pork chops, stuffed chicken breast, and seafood platters. Plus fried shrimp, haddock, chicken tenders, soup, and homemade pies available each night.

A great way to support your local fire company while making sweet summer memories.

Ready to put some heart into Hanover?

Here’s your day-by-day guide to where you can show up, support local, and connect with your community — one small act at a time. Scroll for the highlights, then check out the full list at the bottom.

Snack Town Street Fair
🕐 8 AM – 4 PM | 📍 Downtown Hanover

Celebrate Hanover’s snack food roots with live music, vendors, bounce houses, face painting, and tours of the historic Neas House.

🎟 Free to attend

Summer Cash Bash Bingo
🕐 1 PM | 📍 Irishtown Fire Co., 934 Irishtown Rd, New Oxford

Support New Oxford Cheerleading with 20 games, raffles, food, and prizes.

🎟 $30 in advance, $35 at the door

Cookie Decorating Summer Series
🕐 1 PM – 2 PM | 📍 The Curious Little Playhouse, 1000 Carlisle St

Decorate one, two, or three cookies with royal icing and take home your sweet creations.

🎟 $5 per cookie | Buy Tickets

Mini-THON Fundraiser at Crabbs
🕐 12 PM – 10 PM | 📍 Crabbs Tropical Treat, 2265 Carlisle Pike

Mention “Spring Grove Mini-THON” at checkout and 10% of your treat supports pediatric cancer research.

🍧 Ice cream that gives back

Witchcraft Wednesday: Fairy Magic
🕐 6 PM – 7 PM | 📍 The Serpent’s Key, 28 Carlisle St

Learn about the Fae and how to begin your own fairy magic practice.

💫 Free to attend | Parking free after 6 PM in Lot #4

Mid-Week Outdoor Farmers Market
🕐 3 PM – 7 PM | 📍 210 E Chestnut St

Local produce, handmade goods, snacks, and good neighbor energy.

🛍 Every Thursday through August

Queer Book Club: Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert
🕐 6 PM – 7 PM | 📍 Little Fox Books, 125 Broadway

Genre-bending novel by Bob the Drag Queen. Come connect and discuss.

📚 RSVP required | Limited to 12 people

Drag Storytime at Little Fox
🕐 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM | 📍 125 Broadway, Hanover

Books, songs, and self-expression for all ages. Hosted by two fabulous drag queens.

🎟 Reserve Your Spot

National Ice Cream Day at Half Pint
🕐 Starting at 8 AM | 📍 All Half Pint Creamery locations

Celebrate with a scoop (or three) in Hanover, New Oxford, or Gettysburg.

🍦 Open early for early birds

(Still good. Still local.)

Know someone who’d love one of these events?

Forward this newsletter, invite a friend, or tag Heart of Hanover if you go. Your small actions ripple out.

We only have room for a handful here, but there's a whole lot more happening in and around Hanover.

Explore the full Heart of Hanover Events Calendar. It’s completely free for now, and packed with concerts, classes, family fun, and neighborhood happenings.

🗓 View the Calendar

Have something to add? Hit reply or email me at [your email]. We love sharing local gems.

🌿Submitted by Diane Corbin Dubé

“Patricia Hegberg from Thrivent Financial has been such a help, explaining retirement information in layman’s terms. Her patience and understanding have been stellar in our retirement journey. Her husband serves on our council board and is also the resident gardener at their beautiful home on Frederick Street. They are truly making Hanover a great place to live.”

Helping neighbors plan for the future and tend to their gardens today? That’s community care in action. Thank you, Patricia and Mr. Hegberg, for all the ways you show up for Hanover.

Short notes from neighbors, because kind words matter.

I received the following message from a newsletter subscriber, and it truly warmed my heart.

From Katelyn:

Lately, I’ve been feeling really discouraged. The kind of discouraged that makes everything feel heavy. Like no matter what I do, it won’t matter.

But your newsletter changed that.

Reading it reminded me that I’m not powerless. That even small things, like showing up for someone or caring about this town, actually do matter.

Thank you for your message, Katelyn. I hope more people read it and feel the same flicker of hope you and I did.

Want to share a kind word or small moment of hope?

Send your Little Letter to [email protected] and you might see it in a future issue. We love hearing from you.

If this issue reminded you that small things still matter, good.

That’s the goal.

Whether you’re signing up to volunteer, sharing your time with a neighbor, or just choosing to care a little more about this town we call home — it counts.

Keep showing up in the ways that feel true for you.

Keep doing the little things with heart.

And if you ever forget why it matters, just come back here.

We’ll remind each other.

See you next week,

Megan

P.S. The Heart of Hanover got its very first sponsor this week! Feel free to check them out by clicking their link at the very top of the page.